Two candidates have announced write-in campaigns for Lehighton Area School Board.

Denise Hartley is running for the four-year position and Darin Dotter is campaigning for the two-year position.

Here is a glance at the candidates.

Darin Dotter: I graduated from Lehighton in 1983. I’ve been a Purchasing Agent for 28 years in the mining industry. My wife, Janet of 35 years and I have two children. Our daughter graduated from Lehighton and our son graduated from Carbon County Vocational Technical School. I currently serve on the following: Sunday School Teacher, Board Member, Mahoning Valley Ambulance, Executive Committee, Carbon County GOP, State Committee, PA GOP. I was the past President, East Penn Little League.

Denise Hartley: I am a 1994 graduate of Lehighton Area High School. The foundation I received as a student at Lehighton helped me be successfully as a college student at Arcadia University where I graduated with a degree in psychology. I spend over 20 years as a social worker in nursing homes assisting the elderly and their families. In the last ten years I have worked in the financial area involved in nursing homes. I look to bring my desire to help others and financial sense to the Lehighton School board.

1. The board approved a 2025-26 budget that reduces property taxes by one mil. If elected, how would you balance managing property tax rates with maintaining or improving classroom programs and services? Dotter: I would like to add shop classes to the middle school program. I feel parents and students should have a voice in this matter. One way to save money is by managing our buildings and grounds efficiently. If we watch our spending we should be able to stabilize taxes.

Hartley: There is no easy answer to this question. First, continue the current work the school board has made by making ethical decisions which is what allowed for the tax reduction. Next, monitor expenses so that the students will not be at risk for a loss in programs. If the budget is monitored, there is no reason not to be able to continue to provide the services and programs the school students to benefit students.

2. Over the past year the district has debated access to certain library materials. Where do you draw the line between parental concerns about materials and students’ First Amendment/academic access?

Dotter: Materials need to be age appropriate.

Hartley: Parents need to be the leaders in letting the school know what materials their children are coming across in the school. It is a parents decision what their child reads out of school that should not change when their child comes to school.

3. Will you support clearer parental opt-out policies for lessons a parent finds objectionable? If so, which subjects would be eligible for opt-out and how would you ensure opt-outs don’t stigmatize students or harm required learning standards?

Dotter: I would recommend an abbreviated class syllabus be sent home two weeks prior to sensitive information being taught regarding reproductive health, along with a permission form for parents to sign. This would allow time for parents to discuss what will be covered with the teacher in advance.

Hartley: Instead of opt-out I would suggest the opt-in option as being down in other school districts. An example would be a parent opting in regarding the gender/sex ideology.

4. Pennsylvania and many local districts are facing teacher recruitment/retention problems. What strategies will you pursue to recruit and retain the best teachers for Lehighton?

Dotter:The School Board and District Administration can meet with faculty to discuss improvements they feel would benefit the teachers and help attract new teachers to the district.

Hartley: This is not a issue that Lehighton has faced as of currently. The reason is because teachers and support staff recognize the support provided to them by the administration and school board. The knowledge of this support draws excellent candidates to the district.

5. What are the top two most important factors to you when measuring the district’s progress? Examples include graduation rate, standardized tests, attendance, discipline disparities, postsecondary enrollment. It does not have to be one of those examples. It can be something else.

Dotter: I think the best way to measure progress is by performing yearly benchmark testing for Reading, Writing, and Math, as well as implanting exit interviews for seniors and students transferring out.

Hartley: First, would be students feel safe and cared for. This is achieved by providing students meals and the basic skills needed to succeed. Second, is academic achievement.